Sean Baker’s ‘Anora’ Dominates 2025 Oscars with Historic Wins

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA — Sean Baker‘s acclaimed indie film ‘Anora‘ made history at the 2025 Oscars, winning five awards including Best Actress for Mikey Madison and four individual Oscars for Baker as writer, director, producer, and editor. This unprecedented achievement solidifies Baker’s place in Hollywood history, making him the first person to win four Oscars for the same film.

The Oscars, held on March 2, 2025, also showcased a series of performances, with Conan O’Brien hosting the ceremony for the first time. The night featured multiple musical acts, including Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande performing a medley from ‘Wicked,’ and moments of surprise and anticipation among the audience.

In a remarkable upset, Demi Moore, who many expected to win for her role in ‘The Substance,’ lost to Madison. The audience reacted with shock as Moore’s presence was overshadowed by the unexpected triumph of ‘Anora.’ “I never expected that my work would resonate like this,” said Madison in her acceptance speech. “This is for everyone who thinks their voice doesn’t matter; it does.”

Baker’s journey with ‘Anora’ began at the Cannes Film Festival, where it received critical acclaim. He expressed gratitude for the recognition but emphasized the collaborative effort, stating, “This film is a testament to the hard work of every single person involved. I’m just lucky to be at the forefront of it.” The film’s unique portrayal of sex work and its vibrant representation of Brighton Beach‘s culture captivated audiences and critics alike.

Additionally, the ceremony marked milestones for several other films. ‘Flow’ became the first Latvian film to win the Best Animated Feature Oscar, while ‘Wicked’ took home awards for Best Production Design and Best Costume Design.

As the awards progressed, many nominees were surprised to see the Academy break with tradition. ‘Conclave’ and ‘A Real Pain’ received nods but ultimately did not take home any of the evening’s top prizes.

Turning to the In Memoriam segment, it served as a poignant reminder of the losses the film community faced. Many felt the tribute, especially for David Lynch, could have showcased more live music to enhance emotional resonance. The visuals accompanied by an instrumental score received mixed reviews, as some suggested a more touching approach would honor those who have shaped the industry.

With the Academy’s decision to allow entry-level Hulu subscribers access to the show for the first time, viewership is expected to broaden, reflecting a shift toward inclusivity in the nominations and award processes. The move indicates a changing dynamic in how film awards engage with audiences.

The 2025 Oscars not only celebrated achievements in film but also set the stage for future discussions about representation and inclusion in Hollywood. As the night concluded, excitement buzzed in the audience about potential changes ahead for the industry.